Norway’s boat-rowing (even if historically inaccurate) run through the World Cup has come to an end after a 2-1 quarterfinal loss to England.
The match wasn’t without controversy, however, as Norway surprisingly substituted one of the tournament’s most electric players, Erling Haaland.
The Manchester City star had seven goals in the tournament, but was kept scoreless on Saturday.
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Norwegian star Erling Haaland getting subbed off for the second half of extra time against England on Saturday in Miami was not a popular one. ((Photo by Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty Images))
Worse yet, it was a pre-corner foul of his that cost Norway what would’ve been their second goal of the match.
However, it was shocking to see the 25-year-old get subbed off in favor of Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Of course, many wondered whether Haaland had sustained an injury, but let’s just say the decision to pull him with 15 minutes left in extra time and Norway trailing by a goal wasn’t a popular one on social media.
Jeez, tell us how you really feel!
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Of course, we’ll certainly get some more info on this after the fact — I’m not super familiar with Norwegian sports media, but I’m sure they’ll ask manager Ståle Solbakken about this one — but it’s still disappointing.
Erling Haaland leaves the pitch after Norway was eliminated by England in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Haaland had an incredible tournament and became one of the most popular players in it. It’s just a bummer to see his tournament end with him sitting on the bench, whether that was due to injury or because of a questionable substitution.
It was still a great run for Norway, and I don’t think it would be wild to see something like this again four years from now in Saudi Arabia at the next World Cup.
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But now, the tournament is almost down to its final four.
France and Spain will face off in one semifinal match, while the Three Lions await the winner of Saturday night’s match between Argentina and Switzerland.
